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Nintendo of America finally unveiled
its Internet strategy today for their GameCube console. While
both Sony and Microsoft have announced online plans for their
respective consoles, Nintendo has until now remained silent on the
issue. For service slated to
begin this fall, Nintendo will begin selling both the GameCube v.90
Modem Adapter and the GameCube Broadband Adapter at retail for an
MSRP of $34.95 each.
The first announced product is Sega's Phantasy Star Online Episode I
& II launching this fall in North America. Sega's game will be
playable at this month's E3 Expo in Los Angeles. Nintendo's network
strategy is built on the philosophy that online will be most
successful if the game play is extremely compelling and highly
affordable. To match this philosophy, Nintendo's initiative consists
of a flexible development program, favorable publisher business
model, and support for all consumers whether the player connects by
modem (narrowband) or broadband.
Satoru Iwata, Director of Corporate Planning at Nintendo commented,
"Nintendo is known for great gaming and our first priority is
to continue that legacy. Game content developed with that sole
mission will enhance the joy of video gaming." With regard to
Nintendo's bottom line, Iwata added, "The profitable part of
the online business is very likely several years away. Entering the
business because it's the hot topic of the day doesn't make a
profitable business nor satisfied customers. That's why it will be a
part of Nintendo's strategy, not the mainstay, as other companies
are attempting to do. There still are too many barriers for any
company to greatly depend on it."
"We understand the strong appeal of online gaming to a select
group of video game players, and indeed, it's one way to increase
their satisfaction in exploring new types gaming," said Peter
MacDougall, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing with NOA. "To
make online more appealing to the rest of the game-playing
population, we're taking concrete steps to aid our development
partners in overcoming some of the inherent technical and financial
obstacles to successful online games." Nintendo currently is
making software development kits available to developers
worldwide.
As part of an incentive to publishers, Nintendo will not require
royalty fees from revenue generated by a publisher's game played
online through the GameCube. Nintendo is in discussions worldwide
with a large number of developers about online projects. The intent
of the model is to encourage developers to consider new genres of
games for online play. Several of Nintendo's internal development
groups also are researching online projects, but none will be
demonstrated or discussed at this year's E3.
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May
13, 2002 |
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Jim - News
Contributor, GameCubicle |
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